tile repair

[richard101]

I want to replace several tiles that have come loose from around the sink of my 50 year old original tile counter.
I do not want to strip the old mortar bed and start from scratch, but just replace the tiles if possible. They still have mortar and old grout attached that keeps them from being placed back in position easily. How can I remove this old material from the tiles?
Also several bullnose and quarter round tiles have broken. Is there a glue to repair them, as I will probably never find that color replacement.
Thanks and Cheers,
Richard

[Bud Cline]

richard101,

How about a little coarse sandpaper and gently remove the old mortar. Hopefully that will be enough alteration to allow you to reinstall the tiles with an organic tile adhesive. You can buy the adhesive a your local Big Box.

I'm not sure what you want to do with the broken tiles but I would think you could reinstall them with the same adhesive. After allowing time to set up regrout. Your done!

[John Bridge]

Hi Richard, Bud,

I think you may be considering somehow gluing the broken pieces to gether before you install them. But that would not be the way to do it. I would get some of the mortar off them as Bud said and then set the broken pieces. You can grout everything and use a colored maker or a little enamel paint to disguise the crack.

If you want the broken pieces restored, there are specialty ceramic shops that can do it. Check with a full-line tile supply store.